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OCT.

The Appalachian

UP FOR WEEK SEVEN MOUNTAINEERS GEAR CLIP THEIR INSIDE

MARCUS COX RISES Page 4

WINGS Page 8

RISING GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Page 12

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GAME DAY PARKING Page 16

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t the beginning of the year we wrote you a letter. We said we would be changing things, we said we would be introducing new ideas and we said we would use this year to innovate and take our organization into new ventures. Today is that day. Over the last couple of months, we have operated as normal and stayed as your traditional bi-weekly newspaper. But, behind the scenes we have been rethinking and reevaluating our organization. We have come to the conclusion that our 81-year-old publication needs to join the rest of the evolving media landscape. It takes a lot of guts to take over eight decades’ worth of history and throw it out of the window. But the reality of the situation is that our newspaper is facing the same ailments that the industry is facing. Readership is down and people are not excited to pick up our product. So we decided it was time to act. *Cue “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC* We sat down with our print product and listed all of its problems. It is cluttered, it is boring, it is not visually appealing and it is a newspaper. Now, that is not a shot at any of my predecessors or the hard work they have put into this publication. It is simply a sign of the times and our student body no longer wants a newspaper. So we went to the drawing board and spent months trying to come up with a solution to our problem. Our solution to this problem is what you are holding in your hands. The Appalachian has left its past behind and has looked toward the future. Your traditional newspaper that you expected to see here every Tuesday and Thursday is gone and a modern news-magazine is what you are seeing today. We have been trying so hard to publish as much content as possible in every issue of our paper and that’s not what people want. Being bombarded with tons of information from us along with your everyday life is not what people want to deal with. So we took a step back and

thought, “Why don’t we highlight the stories people want to read and give each one the care and treatment they deserve?” Why are we trying to publish breaking news a day late? You wouldn’t want to pick up a paper that tells you information you already know. So, why don’t we only publish some things you don’t know. This is now our philosophy with our print product and readers can expect to find stories about their friends, classmates and professors. Policies and organizations you had no idea existed will now find a home exclusively in our publication. With this new format comes a new look. Our product has shifted from your friendly neighborhood newspaper to a modern magazine design. The san serif fonts, modern icons and clean structure give the design a modern appearance and the serif headlines and text give it a touch of tradition. This design brings our publication into the modern era while not forgetting where we have come from and provides readers with a unique and enjoyable experience when picking up our publication. But that doesn’t mean we are leaving behind our duty as journalists. We still have the duty to provide the App State community with the most fair, accurate and timely coverage it deserves. Luckily, we have a brand new, updated website to coincide with our print product. Our website will now be the home of breaking and hard news, sports recaps and the latest previews and information for arts and entertainment. Our most timely and breaking content should be available to our readers, right in their pocket. Our print product’s content will remain exclusive to the paper until the following issue and then it will be uploaded to our website. This way, readers have a reason to pick up our paper and will always find an interesting story inside. This is a new method of operation for us at The Appalachian and we are still learning the ins and outs of our new business model. We have most of the kinks ironed out and we will continue to evolve and introduce new ideas and content for our readers. This is an exciting time for myself and the rest of the staff here at The Appalachian, and it is an even more exciting time to be a reader. Now flip through the pages, stay awhile, we hope you enjoy our new look.

Malik Rahili Editor-In-Chief

S P O R T S

MATURING MARCUS

RUNNING BACK MARCUS COX GROWING INTO STAR BY MATT KROMBACH INTERN SPORTS REPORTER

n the first play of Appalachian State football's first drive Homecoming weekend, sophomore quarterback Taylor Lamb took the snap from the shotgun in the rainy, fog-covered weather. Lamb proceeded with the familiar approach of the Mountaineers offense, handing the ball to star running back Marcus Cox. “The play was supposed to head outside but the defense overflowed,” Cox said. “They double-pursued it, there was a big open cutback lane, I cut back, and after I broke that one-arm tackle, that was it.” After he found the open lane, Cox was off to the races for a 59-yard touchdown run and into App State football history, becoming the sixth running back in school history to rush over 3,000 yards. His 178 yards against the Cowboys was the seventh straight time he rushed for 100 yards. Although his streak was snapped the next week with a 76-yard performance against Georgia State, Cox bounced back for 122 yards against ULM. For his career, he's rushed for 100-plus yards 19 times in 30 career games. Accomplishing a milestone of 3,000 rushing yards, Cox puts a lot of faith in his offensive line to make it possible. “It all starts with the big guys up front,” he said. “As they go we go, that’s the motto as a running back group.” Those 19 career games with over 100 rushing yards for Cox are tied for third with Kevin Richardson (2004-07). At this rate, Cox is on pace to push aside Richardson’s leading rushing record of 4,804 yards, already at 3,352 yards. However, even with another year and some change left in Cox’s collegiate career, individual numbers are not what matters. “I just want to do all I can to help this team get two bowl wins,” Cox said. “It’s our first year being bowl eligible so I just want to do the best I can be the first Appalachian State team to win a bowl game.” Stu Holt, a first-year running back coach for the Mountaineers, was impressed by Cox early on. He liked his demeanor and said he thought he had a “mature approach to his job and what he needed to do on and off the field.” Holt also emphasized Cox’s characteristics of maturity and leadership. “He doesn’t put himself in positions where he’s doing the wrong thing,” Holt said. “He leads by example and he’s always locked in and paying attention to what we’re doing in practice and where he’s supposed to be off the field.” In Holt’s 19-year coaching career, he’s been able to work with many Marcus Cox runs the players, but what separates the good ball during the game from the great is how sensible and in control they are. against Clemson. Holt said, “What really separates the ones who are really, really successful and the ones that aren’t is their maturity level and what they put into it.” The maturity level and seriousness of Cox helps keep his teammates in check while also providing a good example to follow. “He’s like another coach,” said sophomore running back Terrence Upshaw. “Seeing him every day helps me to get better because that’s my competition and he’s also my teammate so he pushes me to get better.” Cox has recorded more than 1,000 rushing yards in each of his two seasons while gradually increasing those yards as well. He credits his offensive line heavily for his success while head coach Scott Satterfield says it’s his attention to detail that has helped him over time. “When he came in, he was a good player right off the bat,” he said. “But he understands what we’re trying to do offensively.” What makes Cox more lethal than a year ago is the ascension of his all-around game. “He can catch the ball out of the backfield for us and he’s also really good at protection,” Satterfield said. “So he is a complete back and I think that’s the thing he’s gotten better at.” Satterfield also touched on the fact that experience in the backfield has helped Cox gain a better feel for the game and the Mountaineers offense. He touched on the same first play of the game against Wyoming, which was a significant moment in Cox’s career. “Maybe a year ago, he would have tried to get outside,” he said. “But he understood that everyone was flowing and he cut back and ended up running for a touchdown.”

Justin Perry

M A R C U S

C O X

CONTENDER FOR BOTH DOAK WALKER & MAXWELL AWARD

IN APP STATE RUSH TD HISTORY

270 CAREER POINTS

687 RUSH YARDS

TOUCHDOWNS

116 RUSHES

ALL EYES ON US

App State halts a Wolverine drive during a rematch last season.

MOUNTAINEER DEFENSE TOPS THE SUN BELT BY JASON HUBER SPORTS REPORTER

he saying "Defense wins championships” is heard all across sports. Appalachian State football is taking that to mind this season as they are proving to opponents that their defense is not to be messed with. With an overall 5-1 record and 2-0 in the conference, App State’s defense is leading the Sun Belt Conference in total defense by a large margin, allowing 281.2 yards per game, which ranks ninth in the nation. Boston College ranks first in the nation, allowing 196.3 yards per game. App State’s defense is much more experienced this season after returning their entire starting defensive line. The experience is paying off, as they have only allowed 71 points to their opponents this season, good for third in the nation behind 23rd-ranked Duke and No. 15 Michigan. Defensive coordinator Nate Woody has helped lead the defense and expects a lot of them with the experience gained from the last few seasons. “I think anytime you have a lot of experience coming back, that lends yourself to great leadership and that is what we have this year,” Woody said. “Experience comes with guys that know what to expect rather than just reacting to things.” App State had their worst defensive game of the season in week two, to current No. 6 Clemson, losing 41-10. App State has bounced back with four-straight wins and has only allowed 31 points since. Junior nose tackle Tyson Fernandez feels they have improved greatly since week two. “To me, it's just one of the games we just let slip away,” Fernandez said. “If we played them tomorrow, it would be a different case. They are a good team, but we could have won.” Arguably, App State's biggest game of the season is Oct. 22 against Georgia Southern, who is tied for first in the Sun Belt with a 3-0 conference record. The Mountaineers are currently second at 2-0. Georgia Southern runs the same triple threat offense as App State and currently leads the nation in rushing. Confidence is high right now, though, and

Fernandez still has the loss in his mind from last season. “It will be one of those games we have a chip on our shoulder from last season," he said. “The Rock will be packed for a Thursday night game, and it will take the entire four quarters against them.” Woody had high praise for the Georgia Southern offense as he prepares his defense for the game. “I think Georgia Southern is one of the best offenses in the country,” Woody said. “I think they have good experience and speed. Defensively, if you can contain that type offense, you can contain most offenses.” While App State is leading the conference in many defensive categories, junior linebacker John Law, who has 46 tackles and two interceptions on the season, feels the defense can be much better. “We just want to be the best defense that we can be," Law said. "That is what drives us. No matter how good we do, we are always trying to do more and do better. There is always more that we can do.” However, the goal isn't only getting better; staying consistent is important as well. Head coach Scott Satterfield feels the end of the season is what matters most. “I want to be number one at the end," Satterfield said. “Hopefully, we can maintain this level of play. The defense has played well and given us a great opportunity to win and that’s all we can ask for.” App State defense has showed that they are a real threat to win the conference and make a bowl this season, and if they keep up the good play, they can stop anybody. “With all the hard work we put in over the summer, it's good to know that we could be in consideration for one of the top defenses in the country,” Fernandez said. "It’s only been six games, so we just have to continue what we are doing.” App State takes on conference rival Georgia Southern on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

We just want to be the best defense that we can be.

John Law

Justin Perry

SOLID PLAY

EMOTION, UNDERSTANDING FUEL STRINGER BY COLIN TATE SPORTS REPORTER

t was a wet Saturday afternoon in Norfolk, Virginia, midway through the second quarter of Appalachian State’s matchup against Old Dominion. The Monarchs’ quarterback, Shuler Bentley, dropped back to pass, wound up to throw, and the ball slipped out of Bentley’s hands, rolling right into sophomore linebacker Devan Stringer's chest. Stringer took care of the rest. “I saw the ball squirt out, so the first thing I could think was scoop and score,” Stringer said. “That’s all I thought. I have to give shouts out to the other 10 guys. They were behind me blocking and Latrell [Gibbs] was trying to chase me down. It gave me a little extra boost on the run.” Stringer would take the ball 77 yards to the end zone to extend the Mountaineer lead to 21 on their way to a 49-0 win over the Monarchs. That was one of many impact plays that Stringer has made for the defense so far this season. In six games, Stringer has tallied 25 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and the aforementioned fumble recovery touchdown. Stringer said he believes his understanding has improved, and that has allowed him to make more plays. “Now that I’m actually more acclimated with the position, I’m comfortable enough to go to the next level,” Stringer said. “I don’t have to think ‘OK, what am I supposed to do?’ I can think ‘Hey, I know what I got to do. Now, what’s the offense doing?’” Stringer’s speed is another tool he has put to good use this season. “It allows him to help us in coverage as well as rush the passer,” junior linebacker John Law said. “His speed allows him to beat blocks and pick up that fumble and go all the way to the end zone.” Law has seen firsthand how fast Stringer, who was a running back in high school, truly is. “I was actually happy he picked it up and not me, because I knew he had the speed to go all the way,” Law said. Another trait that has led to Stringer’s improved play is his emotion. While away from football, Stringer said he considers himself laid back, but once he hits the field, it is a different story. “I just wear my heart on my sleeve, and I let everything hang out because I’m with my brothers,”

Justin Perry

Devan Stringer attempts to sack Clemson’s QB, Deshaun Watson.

Stringer said. In the Mountaineers 31-13 victory over Wyoming earlier this season, Stringer’s emotions were more obvious than ever after the defense allowed the first of two touchdowns. “It just makes me so mad when another team scores, because I know how hard we really push ourselves during the week,” Stringer said. “I feel like nobody should have a chance to score on us. Period.” Stringer’s energy and emotional nature have had a positive effect on his teammates. “He’s definitely one of them that brings passion to the game,” Law said. “That fuels us.” Head coach Scott Satterfield said that he wants his players to be emotional but not to let it affect their play on the field. “We go out there and play hard every single snap,” Satterfield said. “You’re going to have ups and downs in a game, but you have to stay even keel. We want our kids to play with emotion, and he’s that way. Really, our whole team’s that way.” For Stringer, his life away from football has been much more emotional than he planned. Earlier this season, Stringer’s 11-day-old daughter, Noelle Marie Stringer, passed away. Afterward, Stringer quickly turned his focus back to football, not missing a game. “He wanted some sort of normalcy in a quick way, so we were able to give that to him,” Satterfield said. “Our players support him. We support each other. It’s a family atmosphere here, and it’ll always be that way. He’s a good person, a good player and we’ll continue to be there for him.” Stringer said that the team and the university have been an outstanding help. “It means so much to me and my family how much they helped us out,” Stringer said. “I don’t know where I would be without the App State family, so my heart goes out to them. I’ve been very thankful.”

S P O R T S

Head to Head

Editor’s Note: Georgia Southern’s student newspaper, The George-Anne, and The Appalachian agreed to exchange columns discussing Thursday’s highly anticipated Sun Belt matchup.

WHY APP STATE WILL TOP GEORGIA SOUTHERN

WHY GEORGIA SOUTHERN WILL KICK APPS

BY CHRIS WARNER SPORTS EDITOR; The Appalachian

BY Robert George Sports editor; The George-anne

nlike when the Mountaineers and the Eagles met last season, a 34-13 stomping in Statesboro, App State is riding a hot streak, having won 11 of their last 12 games, including eight-straight wins over Sun Belt opponents. Georgia Southern brings an option-attack to Boone that has been pretty much unstoppable this season, averaging 399 yards per game on the legs of running backs Matt Breida, Wesley Fields and L.A. Ramsby, as well as quarterback Kevin Ellison. But I say “pretty much” intentionally. Georgia Southern struggled mightily to run the rock against the “other” Mountaineers of West Virginia, a team App State is far closer to talent-wise than other Eagles opponents this season. West Virginia’s defense, which isn’t even currently ranked in the top 50 in NCAA rush defense, held Breida and company to 195 yards in a 44-0 blowout. That doesn’t bode well for the Eagles, as App State’s Mountaineers currently sit at No. 16 in the nation in rush defense and No. 1 in the conference, allowing only 109 yards per game. And while many in Statesboro could rebut by saying that App State was rolled over by Clemson – like the Eagles against West Virginia – one of those opponents has been trending upward in the national rankings, while the other has been in a relative free fall. That aside, the Georgia Southern defense is no slouch, either, against the run. They rank second in the conference behind App State, allowing only 135.7 yards per game. I expect them to focus on stopping running back Marcus Cox, which could play right into the Mountaineers hands, as they’ve employed a well-balanced offensive attack as of late. With the reemergence of wide receiver Malachi Jones in recent weeks, quarterback Taylor Lamb could be in for another big day against an Eagles defense that is “boom or bust,” having accumulated 11 interceptions but also having surrendered 12 touchdowns. In the matchup between an unstoppable force and an immovable object that will likely decide the fate of the Sun Belt, my bets rest on the App State defense and a home crowd that will have Kidd Brewer Stadium rocking.

ell here we are. The matchup tonight between the Eagles and the Mountaineers is one that could ultimately decide who will take home the Sun Belt Championship. “Could” being the operative word. We “could” sit here all day talking about what “could” happen Thursday night. But here at Georgia Southern, we deal in certainties. And we’re certain you don’t stand a chance. I could talk about how the Eagles have the No. 1 rushing attack in the nation and that there’s really not a close second. The Eagles are averaging 399 rushing yards per game. The next closest team? Baylor, whose averaging 349 yards per game on the ground. It doesn’t matter who’s in the backfield as the Eagles boast five different players who have more than 300 rushing yards. Junior running back Matt Breida is second in the nation in yards per carry, averaging 10.3 every time he touches the ball. He’s also ninth in the nation in rushing yards with 900 and sixth in touchdowns with 11 despite having just 85 carries on the season. Although let’s face it, throwing the ball really isn’t either of our team’s strengths. You guys love to run the ball, and you’re ranked ninth in the nation in rushing, which isn’t bad. Your defense is also much improved, allowing an average of 11 points per game to opponents. The Mountaineers did, however, give up 41 points to Clemson who has an offense almost as high-powered as the Eagles. I could also talk about how the Eagles are tied for seventh in the nation in interceptions. Or how the Eagles have a Sun Belt-leading 11 picks on the season. Senior safety Antonio Glover is tied for third in the nation with five interceptions and has been an absolute monster in the secondary. This Mountaineers team is certainly better than the one that came down to Statesboro last year and left with their tail between their legs. But even so, your current team still won’t cut it. You really have two options left: Start playing, or start praying.

Justin Perry

Game 7 | Thursday, October 22nd | 7:30 p.m. | Kidd Brewer Stadium | ESPNU

[5-1, 3-0 Sun Belt]

[5-1, 2-0 Sun Belt]

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YARDS PER GAME

MAKE-OR-BREAK STAT

RUSH YARDS PER GAME vs. PASS YARDS ALLOWED PER GAME

465.2 - 487.8 +5 [

PLAYER TO WATCH

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TURNOVER DIFFERENTIAL

[

TACKLES

INTS

LAST WEEK AGAINST ULM

POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME

40.3

39.2

#45 LB ERIC

BOGGS Photo Courtesy of App State Athletics

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GAME NOTES

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Lost 34-13 to the Eagles in Statesboro last season

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App State vs. Georgia Southern Texas A&M (#15) vs. Ole Miss (#24) Temple (#22) vs. ECU Duke (#23) vs. Virginia Tech Indiana vs. Michigan State (#6)

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399 - 109

PIG SKIN PICKâ€™EM

Chris Warner

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Sheri N. Everts

Carson Rich

Robin Palmer

Kendrick Fruits

President

Producer

Sports Dir.

SGA

App TV (24-6)

WASU (23-7)

Sports Editor

Editor-in-Chief

Chancellor

The Appalachian

App State

(23-7)

(22-8)

(23-7)

(21-9)

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App State [

Georgia Southern

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GAME D Y

Submit Announcements

App News is a service of the Division of Student Development. Email dycheab@appstate.edu. Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, and a contact email, phone and/or URL. Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference given for events that are free or have a nominal cost.

A P P

N E W S

WHAT TO DO Boyles Distinguished CEO Lecture Series

Bonnie Schaefer, co-owner of Westglow Resort & Spa and former CEO of Claire’s Stores, will speak at 10 a.m. Oct. 13, Holmes Convocation Center. To accommodate attendees, event shuttles will run from Peacock Circle/Rivers Street Parking Deck to Holmes Center beginning one hour prior to the lecture. Call 828-262-6247.

Lecture series

The Fall 2015 Lecture/Seminar Series: Philosophy and Religion in the Contemporary World is presented by the Philosophy and Religion Department. All presentations begin at 5:30 p.m. and are held in room 114, Belk Library. • Oct. 13: “The Aesthetics of Exile” with Davis Hankins • Nov. 10: “What the Hell? How to Interpret Biblical Texts on Final Judgment” with Rodney Duke

Turchin Fall Lecture Series

All lectures are at 7 p.m. in the Turchin Center Lecture Hall. For information, go to http:// tcva.org/exhibitions. • Oct. 14: “The Performance Review: Endia Beal” • Oct. 21: “Back to Boone: The Editorial Cartoons of Andrew David Cox” • Nov. 11: “Beth Hetland” • 2 p.m. Nov. 6: “Cartoon College,” film screening in conjunction with the exhibition At the Junction of Words and Pictures: The Tenth Anniversary of The Center for Cartoon Stud-

ies,” followed by a panel discussion with Alec Longstreth and Jen Vaughn.

What Not to Wear: Culture vs. Costume

Visualize the concept of cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation at a high fashion runway show. Sponsored by APPS, the concept of this event is to stimulate self-reflection, raise awareness to the topic of cultural appropriation, and also be educational. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Parkway Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union. Free.

Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series

All programs are free and open to the public. • Denise Giardina, author of “Storming Heaven,” will present a craft talk from 9:30-11 a.m. in Table Rock Room in PSU, and will read from her work at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20, Parkway Ballroom, PSU. • Black Mountain College literary historians William C. Rice and Katherine Chaddock will read from their works at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Parkway Ballroom, PSU.

Faculty/Staff Book Club

The fall book club will read and discuss the themes in “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink. The book club will meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 20 and Nov. 24 in Belk Library. Book club members will be expected to secure their own copy to read. The book is available in the library system and for sale online.

Email maidenev3@appstate.edu.

Research presentation

“Contemporary Racial Attitudes in the US: Are we living in a Post-Racial Society?” by Dr. J. Scott Carter, University of Central Florida, 6 p.m. Oct. 21, Beacon Heights, Plemmons Student Union, free and open to the public. The presentation will take a closer look at how race plays out in the U.S., in terms of inequality and attitudes, and discuss whether we are moving toward a society where race is no longer matters. The presentation will also discuss how dominant racial narratives are created and maintained outside of face-to-face interactions by groups with interest and elite members of our society.

Digital environment and mindfulness

David Levy will present “Mindful Tech: Finding Balance in an Age of Overload and Distraction” at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 21, Parkway Ballroom, PSU. Levy’s talk is part of Belk Library and Information Commons’ Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Lecture Series.

Boone Creek clean-up

Meet at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at AMB, 163 Boone Creek Drive. The ASU Sustainability Council has adopted the section of Boone Creek that flows past Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Boone Mall. ASU faculty, staff and students are invited to participate. Volunteers will receive a 10 percent discount on purchases at Appalachian Mountain

Brewery for the rest of the night. The group provides gloves and other supplies. Participants should wear old clothes and sturdy shoes—rubber knee boots are especially helpful. Email englandle@appstate.edu to sign up in advance.

Belize Interest Group

The Office of International Education and Development (OIED) is organizing a Belize Interest Group meeting at 2 p.m. Nov. 16, in Beacon Heights, PSU. The meeting will be held to meet face-to-face with campus colleagues engaged in and/or with interest in Belize, share with different campus colleagues the nature of work people are doing in Belize; and develop a “united” strategy for Appalachian to engage with Belize. Faculty interested in Belize or doing work in that country are encouraged to attend. For more information, email lutabingwajl@ appstate.edu.

Tutoring Center open

Visit room 208 in D.D. Dougherty and fill out a tutor request form. The tutoring lab is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. Call 828-262-3060 or email apputs@ appstate.edu. Go to lap.appstate.edu/tutoring.

Free guided meditation

Held noon-12:30 p.m. in Attic Window (room 137C), PSU. Hosted by Wellness and Prevention Services. No meditation experience necessary. Drop-ins welcome.

Thursday, october 22

Friday, october 23

saturday, october 24

sunday, october 25

Harlan E. Boyles CEO Lecture featuring Bonnie Schaefer

The Aesthetics of Exile - Philosophy & Religion Fall 2015 Lecture/Seminar,

Arson Daily concert,

Monday, october 26

tuesday, october 27

Harlan E. Boyles CEO Lecture featuring Bonnie Schaefer

The Aesthetics of Exile - Philosophy & Religion Fall 2015 Lecture/Seminar,

Arson Daily concert,

10 a.m. Holmes Convocation Center Free